For many people entering inpatient treatment for substance use disorder, one heartbreaking question can become a barrier to getting help: Who will take care of my dog? That's where Dogs Matter comes in. The fear of surrendering or abandoning that companion can cause people to delay—or avoid—life-saving treatment altogether.

A veterinary emergency can happen when you least expect it, and the cost of care can quickly become overwhelming. If you're struggling to afford emergency treatment for your pet, financial assistance may be available. Ohio Animal Advocates has compiled a list of nonprofit organizations that offer emergency veterinary expense grants.

When advocating for affordable spay/neuter programs, compassion matters, but so do the numbers. Our partners at United Spay Alliance have released The Financial Case for Spay/Neuter: A Guide for Advocates, a free resource designed to help advocates demonstrate how investing in prevention can save local governments money while reducing pet overpopulation.

Veterinary care has become significantly more expensive over the past decade, with costs rising much faster than overall inflation. While advances in veterinary medicine, staffing shortages, and higher operating costs all play a role, another factor is receiving increased attention: the growing number of veterinary practices owned by private equity firms and large corporations.

Commercial dog breeders in Ohio have accumulated numerous state inspection violations while continuing to sell puppies, according to an investigation by Columbus Dispatch reporter Nathan Hart. His report focuses on the serious health issues experienced by dogs adopted from puppy mills, and how these issues also contribute unexpected and expensive vet bills for families who just bought a new pet. 

Approximately 60 dogs in Richland County, Ohio, need community support after a local pet owner's request for spay/neuter assistance years ago grew into a much larger challenge. Learn how prevention, collaboration, and expanded resources can help address pet overpopulation across Ohio.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating mammalian animal testing by 2035, signaling continued support for the development and adoption of modern, non-animal testing methods.

After decades of successful eradication efforts, New World screwworm has returned to the United States. While the parasite primarily affects livestock, veterinarians recently confirmed the first canine case associated with the current outbreak, a reminder that pet owners should be aware of the signs while avoiding unnecessary panic.

When Ohio lawmakers passed Avery's Law earlier this year, the legislation was widely praised for strengthening dangerous dog laws and increasing penalties when serious attacks occur. The bill was inspired by the tragic 2024 attack on 12-year-old Avery Russell, who suffered life-altering injuries after being attacked by two dogs during a playdate.

A Dayton-area dog trainer previously convicted on dozens of animal cruelty and fraud-related charges has been sentenced to 15 to 19 years in prison after violating the terms of his probation. Jason Jones, owner of Dayton Dog Trainer LLC, was sentenced on June 9, 2026 after widespread attention across Ohio due to the large number of victims and the serious allegations involving companion animals.

Animal lovers across Ohio have a chance to show off their favorite pets while supporting programs that help animals throughout the state. Ohio Animal Foundation has launched its 2026 Celebrating Life with Animals Photo Contest annual fundraiser that combines adorable pet photos with meaningful support for animal welfare initiatives. The contest is open now, with voting through July 31, 2026.

The ASPCA has announced that it will award up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics serving vulnerable animals throughout the United States. The funding is intended to help organizations address some of the most pressing challenges facing animal welfare today, including shelter capacity needs and the ongoing shortage of accessible spay/neuter services.